Benjamin Franklin to Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, December 6, 1783

Passy Decr. 6th. 1783

Sir

Being now disabled by the Stone, which in the easiest Carriage gives me Pain, wounds my Bladder & occasions me to make bloody Urine, I find I can no longer pay my Devoirs personally at Versailles, which I hope will be excused. I have yet received from Congress no Answer to my Request of being recalled. In the mean time I must beg your Excellency to receive my Respects by my Grandson, with such Matters as I may occasionally have to communicate, he being Secretary of the Legation. I am, with great and sincere Respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

B Franklin

His Excellency Count de Vergennes